Luhut Believes West Nusa Tenggara's Economy Grows 5 Percent As Positive Impact Of Mandalika Circuit

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

PRAYA - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan assesses that the economy of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) will grow 5 percent as a result of activities at the Mandalika Circuit.

"With the Mandalika Circuit, NTB will enjoy and nationally also get a share and the NTB economy can grow 5 percent, even more," Luhut said during a visit to the Mandalika Circuit in Central Lombok, quoted by Antara, Sunday, November 5.

According to Luhut, the holding of the World Superbike (WSBK) event at the Mandalika Circuit had a positive impact on NTB's economic growth in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic situation that still hit Indonesia. Because, from an event like this, MSME actors can be absorbed by their products.

Because according to Luhut, from 65 million MSMEs throughout Indonesia, there are currently 17 million MSMEs on board. For this reason, it is hoped that by the end of 2024 more than 30 million or part of the number of MSMEs in Indonesia can be absorbed by their products.

"For groups of MSMEs, especially in NTB, at the WSBK event, their products are definitely absorbed. As stated by the Governor of NTB and Mr. Coordinating Minister for SMEs that local MSME products in NTB are absorbed in this event," he said.

"The governor also said that tourism business actors such as hotels, homestays are all fool bookings. None of them are empty. Even the price is tripled. Including car rentals and others, get blessings from this WSBK so that the economy will all come alive," said Luhut.

Therefore, Luhut requested that according to President Jokowi's direction, activities such as the WSBK in Mandalika could all be carried out as well as possible.

"We need to know that we do it really well so that the results can be enjoyed well. Even though COVID-19 has been somewhat relaxed, we must remain vigilant by remaining disciplined in implementing health protocols properly," he said.